Labeling, causal attributions, and social network ties to people with mental illness

Evidence supports Allport's (1954) contention that social contact reduces mental illness stigma and promotes symptom recognition. However, an important limitation of existing research is that it typically relies on relatively simplistic measures of contact (e.g., any contact, number of contacts). Here, we build on prior work by examining how contact with persons with mental illness within social networks shapes labeling processes and beliefs about the causes of mental illness. Using egocentric network methods and vignette data from the 2018 General Social Survey (N = 1173), findings reveal that connections to valued ties (e.g., friends, family) that disconfirm commonly held stereotypes about people with mental illness contribute to improved recognition of mental illness and reduce the likelihood of endorsing stigmatizing beliefs about causes of mental illness. By using network theory and methods, this research extends current understanding of the role of contact by revealing not only whether contact matters, but how it matters and under what circumstances it may reduce prejudice and discrimination attached to mental illness in contemporary society. •We examine how the nature of social contact with people with mental illness shapes public stigma.•Outcomes focus on labeling and beliefs about causes of mental illness.•Ties to friends and family members, but not others, are associated with better recognition and less stigma.•Social contact with people perceived to be dangerous is associated with endorsement of bad character.•Social contact with valued network members that disconfirms stereotypes is likely to reduce stigma.